Some of the most iconic vacation spots in America are places one can visit again and again. Disney vacations to California and Florida never get old. The Grand Canyon is only getting deeper and your memories of it fail to do the depth and scope justice. Yes, there is much to be said for revisiting favorites.
Stop!
There is so much of this great land that you may have missed. If every family vacation has been to a theme park, a National Park, New York City, or Mt. Rushmore you have failed. Those places are great, but there is so much more! People who go to Hawaii every year are experiencing a particular kind of Paradise. They are depriving themselves of other Paradises.
We’re here to help. The travel arm of Gildshire Magazines has some ideas for your consideration that will blow your mind. They won’t blow up your debit card. But, these aren’t about cheap! These are about getting you out of the vacation rut into which you’ve fallen.
Wake up, Vacation Guy! Plan a trip to…
- Whitaker Point, Arkansas: Romantic much? Oh, you used to be. Well, this place will bring out your inner Lothario. Whitaker Point is one of the truly romantic overlooks your eyes will ever see. From the craggy rock,you will have a dramatic view of the surrounding landscape. Nearest City: Ponca, about ten miles away. Nearest Commercial Airport: Branson Airport, 61 miles away.
- Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve: One traveler to this place called it “A feast for the eyes.” You may say something similar. It’s miles of golden California poppies swaying in the breeze. If “gorgeous” is a good thing to you, so too is this site. Nearest City: Lancaster, five miles away. Nearest Commercial Airport: Bob Hope Burbank, 70 miles away.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
- Turkey Run State Park in Indiana: Indiana natives want you to know that their State isn’t all basketball and a car race. Lovers of the outdoors will greatly enjoy Turkey Run. It’s 14 miles of trails and a series of covered bridges waiting to be explored. Nearest City: Rockville, 10 miles away. Nearest Commercial Airport: 74 miles away.
- Gardens of the American Rose Center in Louisiana: You have been to Louisiana, but only for Mardi Gras. Shame on you! There is much to see in Louisiana that has nothing to do with New Orleans. A hidden gem is found inside these Rose Gardens. This 118-acre wooded park is the largest such place in the country dedicated to the American rose. It’s also the easiest place to visit on our list so far. It is located in the city of Shreveport, and Shreveport Regional Airport is nine miles east of the entrance.
Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Montana
- Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Montana: Many people find tranquility under the Big Sky of Montana. There is nowhere in the State more tranquil than here. The 750-foot circular monument is a stunning sight. The architecture in harmony with the setting is made for meditation we fail too often to do. It is a dedicated peace center with a mission to enhance peace both inner and interpersonal. Nearest City: Missoula, 24 miles away. Nearest Commercial Airport: Missoula International.
- Vista House in Oregon: The exit sign for this place bespeaks humility and understatement. “Rest Stop,” it says. Tens of thousands of travelers have feasted their eyes on an enduring vision upon exiting I-84. The dazzling Art Deco building is just the beginning. Beyond is that incredible view of the fabulous Columbia Gorge from atop the Crown Point promontory. Nearest City: Troutdale, six miles away. Nearest Commercial Airport: Portland International, 22 miles away.
That’s it, but it is also just a small sample of the lesser-known places to see. What are you waiting for? Pack!
